Highlights
- Rajinikanth announces that the sequel to Padayappa is titled Neelambari
- The announcement comes during the 25-year re-release celebration of the 1999 blockbuster
- Actor recalls the film’s massive craze and says the team is currently developing the story
- Padayappa re-releases in theatres on December 12, his birthday
Rajinikanth announces sequel 25 years after Padayappa
As Padayappa returns to theatres 25 years after its release, Rajinikanth confirms that a sequel is in development and will be titled Neelambari: Padayappa 2. The actor shares the news while releasing a 37-minute video reflecting on the film’s impact and his experience working on it.
In the video, he recalls the overwhelming response during its 1999 release, saying he had never seen “women breaking gates to watch a film” in his 50-year career.
Rajinikanth explains that seeing sequels such as 2.0 and Jailer 2 made him consider revisiting Padayappa. He says the team is discussing the story and that a sequel will move forward if the script takes shape as strongly as the original.
A landmark film with a lasting legacy
Released in 1999, KS Ravikumar’s Padayappa starred Rajinikanth, Ramya Krishnan and Soundarya, and went on to become the highest-grossing Tamil film of its time. Ramya’s portrayal of Neelambari continues to be celebrated, cementing the character as one of Tamil cinema’s most iconic antagonists.
The film features Sivaji Ganesan in one of his final roles, playing Padayappa’s father. Rajinikanth appears as Aaru Padayappan, with Soundarya playing Vasundhara. Neelambari, portrayed by Ramya, stands as the central antagonist who holds a long-standing grudge against the couple.
- YouTube YouTube/ Thenappan P - Shree Raajalakshmi Films
Re-release timed with Rajinikanth’s birthday
Rajinikanth notes that Padayappa originally arrived in the 25th year of his career and remains a film meant for theatrical viewing. He says he held back from selling it to streaming or satellite platforms, allowing only Sun Pictures to present the re-release.
The film returns to cinemas on December 12, his birthday. Rajinikanth and Ramya are currently shooting for Nelson Dilipkumar’s Jailer 2, adding another connection between their past and present collaborations.
